THE suspension of five Local Government chairmen a fortnight ago, by the Edo State government, is attracting a mixed bag of reactions.

The affected chairmen Mr. Emmanuel Momoh, Etsako Central Local Government; Mr. Victor Enobakhare, Egor LG; Mr. Osaro Obazee, Oredo LG; Folorunsho Akerejola, Akoko-Edo LG and Mr. Roland Ibierutonmwen, Orhionmwon LG, were suspended based on allegation of misappropriation of fund, which resulted in their inability to pay staff salaries.

The move came on the heels of a request sent to the State House of Assembly by Governor Adams Oshiomhole, alleging that the chairmen flouted the Local Government Act, by engaging in illegal employment without going through the Local Government Service Commission, noting that the suspension was to pave way for investigation into the allegations, adding that a panel of inquiry would be constituted to undertake the assignment.

Since the resolution was made, there have been series of reactions from both the suspended chairmen and residents of the affected councils. While some applauded the decision, others were of the opinion that government should have thread cautiously, especially since the chairmen were democratically elected and not appointed.

For instance, in Akoko-Edo, some residents went into wild jubilation over the suspension of the council chairman, Akerejola. His suspension was said to have come on the heels of a petition against him, alleging corrupt practices.

However, his Oredo local government area counterpart, Obazee who was also suspended on similar allegation has put up a defence against his removal. He claimed his council never received enough allocation to pay workers and perform his electioneering promises to the people, noting that it became imperative that he clears his name from the numerous allegations for future purposes.
  
He described his suspension as a rude shock, but however thanked Governor Adams Oshiomhole for his support.
  
“As far as I am concerned Oredo council has been at the receiving end, due to paucity of funds from the statutory allocation received from the Federal Government.”
  
The embattled council boss claimed that since he assumed office, there has never been enough allocation to pay salaries “and we have essential duties to carry out and the IGR was used for these functions.”

The House, in its resolution suspended the chairmen for two months and promised to set up relevant committee as stipulated by law to investigate them.